PHILIPPIANS 4

FINDING PEACE + CONTENTMENT IN CHRIST

Continuing his message of unity, Paul addresses two specific women, Euodia and Syntyche. Although these women have been great workers and messengers of Christ, they have disagreements that Paul wants resolved. Often, Paul provides general advice to the church, but also includes a specific example.

Paul prompts the believers not to be anxious, but instead present their worries before God in prayer. Emphasizing both thanking God and making requests of God, Paul tells believers to make their needs known. Through prayer, God can bring peace that surpasses all understanding and guard the hearts of believers.

Throughout many trials, including shipwrecks, snake bites, and imprisonment, Paul remained incredibly faithful and filled with peace. Paul teaches the believers to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. By keeping his mind on the ways of God, Paul is able to experience the peace of God in extenuating circumstances.

Believing he has found the source for contentment in all things, Paul trusts he can endure all things through Christ who gives him strength. Philippians 4:13 is often taken out of context; Paul is not speaking of his own accomplishments or accolades, but is instead speaking of God’s provision for him in challenging situations.

Because the Philippians have been generous to Paul, Paul believes God will supply them with their every need. Paul concludes his message to the Philippians and prays they continue to experience God’s grace and goodness.

Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.